Building Surveys

Building Survey (a.k.a Full Structural Survey)

The Building Survey is suitable for all types of property and particularly if they are listed or old.

The main details of the Building Survey will include:

A structural appraisal and identification of any serious and minor defects in this respect.

Testing for dampness of the walls.

Testing of all woodwork for damp and woodworm.

Investigation into the condition of damp proofing, insulation and drainage although the drains will not actually be tested.

Technical information about how the property was constructed and all materials which were used in the process.

Information about the location of the property.

Advice regarding repairs to the property.

Proposals for any further special inspections and subsequent work which may need to be done on the property.

At an additional cost, we can also provide include a purchase price appraisal with this type of survey so you can be assured that you are not paying more than it is worth.

Fees for this type of survey are more than the other types of surveys and vary according to the property type and value.

We can usually email a copy of the report to the client within 48hrs of the date of the inspection.

Structure Only Inspection

This type of survey (a.k.a Structural Appraisal Survey) is an assessment of the condition of the main structural parts of the property and is less detailed than the Full Building Survey. It is suitable for all types of property both residential and commercial and is often used by clients who wish to have a conditional assessment of the main structural parts of the property without wanting the in-depth detail of the property which the full building survey offers. The survey and report comprises:

An appraisal of the building’s structure and any problems in this respect.

A technical analysis of significant defects revealed and guidance on appropriate further actions.

Typically, our Structure Only Surveys will include an inspection of the roofs (internally & externally), walls (internally & externally), floors, chimney stacks and parapet walls . In addition, any damp problems and serious timber decay and rot will be reported on.

At an additional cost, we can also provide include a purchase price appraisal with this type of survey so you can be assured that you are not paying more than it is worth.

Fees for this type of survey are usually slightly more than homebuyer and condition reports.

We can usually email a copy of the report to the client within 48hrs of the date of the inspection.

RICS Homebuyer’s Report and Valuation

The Homebuyer’s Report comprises a limited inspection and report using a standard format designed by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

The format is designed for small houses or flats which are of modern construction and built to broadly modern building regulations standards where the risk of a major defect being present is reduced.

The whole of the property is inspected and where necessary from a 3m high ladder. Parts of the exterior of the building above 3m and which cannot be seen from ground level are excluded and are not reported upon. Underground drains to flats are not inspected and the condition of drains is not reported upon. Leisure facilities and outbuildings are not examined. The external surfaces of a block of flats are examined in general together with internal areas providing access to the flat. Roof spaces are examined only if there is a hatch within the flat.

An opinion of market value is also provided. However, you will still require a mortgage valuation report if you need a mortgage in the first place.

Fees for this type of survey are less than the above report but more than a condition survey.

We can usually email a copy of the report to the client within 24hrs of the date of the inspection.

RICS Condition Report

This type of report is similar to the homebuyer report but a valuation is not provided. This may be sufficient if you are not concerned about the value of the property.

This is the cheapest type of report we provide.

We can usually email a copy of the report to the client within 24hrs of the date of the inspection.

Should you require any further clarification of the above type of survey you require please do not hesitate to contact Hamblin Sullivan Associates